An agricultural harvester has a frame and a spout that is movably mounted relative to the frame. A spout actuator drives movement of the spout relative to the frame. Harvesting functionality engages material from a field and delivers the material through an outlet end of the spout as the agricultural harvester moves through the field in a direction of travel. A turn identifier identifies a location of a turn forward of the agricultural harvester and generates a turn location indicator indicative of the location of the turn. A speed detector detects a speed of the agricultural harvester and generates a speed indicator indicative of the detected speed. A position compensation control system generates spout position compensation information based on the turn location indicator and the speed indicator, and a spout position controller controls the spout actuator based on the spout position compensation information.
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2. The agricultural system of claim 1 wherein the position compensation control system is configured to send the spout position compensation information to the spout position controller prior to the agricultural harvester executing the turn.
The agricultural system relates to precision farming, specifically to a harvester equipped with a position compensation control system that improves material distribution during turns. The problem addressed is the uneven spreading of harvested crops when the harvester makes turns, leading to waste and inefficiency. The system includes a spout position controller that adjusts the position of the spout to compensate for the harvester's movement during turns. The position compensation control system calculates spout position compensation information based on the harvester's turn parameters, such as speed, angle, and direction. This compensation information is sent to the spout position controller before the harvester begins the turn, allowing the spout to adjust proactively. The system ensures consistent and uniform distribution of harvested material, reducing waste and improving field efficiency. The spout position controller may use actuators or hydraulic mechanisms to physically reposition the spout. The system may also integrate with GPS or inertial measurement units to monitor the harvester's movement in real time. By compensating for the harvester's turn before it occurs, the system minimizes disruptions in material flow and maintains optimal spreading patterns. This technology is particularly useful in large-scale farming operations where precise material distribution is critical for maximizing yield and minimizing environmental impact.
3. The agricultural system of claim 1 wherein the material comprises a windrow and wherein the image processor is configured to identify, as the orientation of the material, a turn in the windrow forward of the agricultural harvester and an angle of the turn.
The agricultural system is designed to improve the efficiency of harvesting operations by analyzing the orientation of crop material, such as a windrow, in real-time. The system addresses the challenge of accurately detecting and responding to changes in windrow orientation, particularly turns, to optimize harvester performance. The system includes an imaging device that captures visual data of the windrow ahead of the harvester. An image processor analyzes this data to identify the presence of a turn in the windrow and calculates the angle of the turn. This information is used to adjust the harvester's operation, such as steering or feed mechanisms, to maintain optimal alignment with the windrow. The system may also include a controller that processes the identified orientation data to generate control signals for the harvester. The invention enhances harvesting efficiency by reducing material loss and improving the harvester's ability to follow windrow turns accurately. The system is particularly useful in large-scale agricultural operations where precise windrow tracking is critical for maximizing yield and minimizing waste.
4. The agricultural system of claim 1 wherein the material comprises a crop row or crop edge and wherein the image processor is configured to identify, as the orientation of the material, a turn in the crop row or crop edge forward of the agricultural harvester and an angle of the turn.
This invention relates to agricultural systems for harvesting crops, specifically focusing on improving the navigation and operation of agricultural harvesters. The system addresses the challenge of accurately tracking and following crop rows or edges, particularly when they include turns, to optimize harvesting efficiency and reduce crop loss. The agricultural system includes an imaging device mounted on the harvester to capture images of the crop material, such as a crop row or edge, ahead of the harvester. An image processor analyzes these images to detect the orientation of the crop material, including identifying turns in the crop row or edge and determining the angle of these turns. This information is used to adjust the harvester's path or harvesting mechanism to follow the crop row accurately, even when it curves or changes direction. The system may also include additional components, such as a steering controller, to automatically adjust the harvester's trajectory based on the detected turn angle, ensuring precise alignment with the crop material. By dynamically detecting and responding to changes in crop row orientation, the system enhances harvesting efficiency, reduces manual intervention, and minimizes crop damage or loss during the harvesting process. The invention is particularly useful in large-scale farming operations where maintaining precise alignment with crop rows is critical for optimal performance.
6. The agricultural system of claim 5 wherein the spout outputs the material to a receiving vessel that is separate from the agricultural harvester and wherein the position compensation control system is configured to determine a change in a position of the outlet end of the spout relative to a position of the receiving vessel that will result from the agricultural harvester executing the turn, the position compensation control system being further configured to generate the spout position compensation information and the flap position compensation information based on the change in a position of the outlet end of the spout relative to a position of the receiving vessel that will result from the agricultural harvester executing the turn.
The agricultural system is designed to improve material transfer efficiency during harvesting operations, particularly when the harvester executes turns. The problem addressed is maintaining accurate material transfer from the harvester's spout to a separate receiving vessel, such as a trailer, during turning maneuvers, where misalignment can lead to spillage or inefficiencies. The system includes a spout with an outlet end and a flap mechanism, along with a position compensation control system. The control system predicts the relative positional changes between the spout's outlet end and the receiving vessel that will occur when the harvester turns. Based on this prediction, it generates compensation information for both the spout's position and the flap's position. This ensures that the material is accurately directed into the receiving vessel despite the harvester's movement, minimizing spillage and optimizing transfer efficiency. The system dynamically adjusts the spout and flap positions in real-time to account for the harvester's turning path, maintaining precise alignment with the receiving vessel throughout the maneuver.
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February 18, 2021
April 30, 2024
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